When mealworm is reared on cereal material fat content should be around 20-30% d.m. but sometime its very low instead of 20-30% d.m. could any one inform me regarding this
There are several reasons why the dry matter content of mealworms reared on cereal material may be lower than expected:
Poor quality feed: If the cereal material is of low quality, it may not provide enough nutrients to support healthy mealworm growth, leading to a lower dry matter content.
Incorrect storage conditions: If the cereal material is not stored correctly, it can become moldy or damp, reducing its nutritional value and causing the mealworms to have a lower dry matter content.
Overcrowding: Overcrowding the mealworms can cause stress and competition for food, leading to a lower dry matter content.
Unacceptable environmental conditions: Incorrect temperature, humidity, or ventilation can impact the mealworms' ability to digest food properly, leading to a lower dry matter content.
Disease or pest infestation: Diseases or pests can reduce the mealworms' ability to absorb nutrients from food, leading to a lower dry matter content.